Technology: An Advantage to Christian Growth and Outreach 2

In my last post, I extensively discussed how technology can be leveraged for Christian growth. If you missed it, feel free to go back and check it out. I highlighted several examples of how technology can be advantageous for Christians.

In this discussion, I'll explore how applications and other digital tools can be used to edify others, and how social media can serve as a platform for personal growth and the edification of others.
 

How Can Applications Be Used to Edify Others?

Before diving into the details, let’s reflect on our role as Christians. For me, it’s straightforward: bring as many people to Christ as possible. Essentially, we are commanded to share the gospel far and wide. The keyword here is "share," and that's our focus today.

We have been blessed with technology that has made sharing the gospel easier. If used diligently, we can reach a vast number of people. The digital space, however, is saturated with content that doesn't glorify God and can lead people astray. This makes it crucial for us to take social media seriously.
 

Ways to Achieve Our Goals

Content Creation and Sharing:

•     Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to share Bible verses, inspirational quotes, personal testimonies, and faith-based content. This can uplift and encourage your followers.
•  Promote the gospel extensively online. You don’t have to preach; sharing content from genuine pastors and leaders you follow can edify others.
• Daily Devotionals: Share daily devotionals or inspirational quotes on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. These can provide spiritual nourishment and encouragement to your followers.
• Testimonies and Stories: Post personal testimonies or stories of faith to inspire and uplift others. Hearing how God has worked in your life can strengthen and encourage others in their own faith journeys.
• Use applications to spread the gospel: For example, the verse of the day that we mostly see on our twitter or Instagram feeds can be posted everyday. All this counts for something, if all christians can make sure they share the verse of the day everyday, I am sure one day it will get to the timeline of non christians which can help them begin a new relationship with God.
• Share excerpts from sermons that address current world issues. For instance, during times of inflation, share messages about God being our source. This can provide hope and bring someone closer to God.

Engaging in Faith-Based Discussions and Virtual Events:

    Join or create faith-based groups on social media to discuss theological questions, share insights, and support each other’s faith journeys. Let the trends be about things of God not things that don’t edify the soul.
    Host live prayer sessions, Bible studies, or worship services on platforms like YouTube or Facebook Live to reach a broader audience. If hosting isn’t your forte, share live prayer sessions and discussions with your followers.
    Virtual Bible Studies: Use video conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet to host virtual Bible study groups. This allows people to connect, discuss scripture, and grow together in faith, regardless of their physical location. Again, iIf hosting isn’t your forte, share live bible study sessions with your followers.
    Bible Study Apps: Utilize apps like YouVersion Bible to create and share Bible reading plans, discuss insights, and engage in collective study.

Educational Content and Resources

    YouTube Channels: Recommend YouTube channels that provide sermons, Bible studies, and other faith-building content. Channels like The Bible Project or Desiring God offer valuable resources for spiritual growth. You can create playlists of biblical content and share on your platform.
    Christian Podcasts and Audiobooks: Recommend and share inspiring Christian podcasts and audiobooks. These resources offer teachings, sermons, and discussions on various topics, aiding in learning and spiritual growth.

Using Digital Tools for Edifying Others

    Bible Study Apps: Utilize the community option of apps like YouVersion for group studies. Share insights, discuss passages, and grow together in understanding the Scriptures.
    Prayer Apps: Organize prayer groups using apps like Echo Prayer. Share prayer requests, set reminders to pray for each other, and build a supportive prayer community.
    Building a Supportive Community:Use social media to connect with other Christians, share prayer requests, and offer mutual support. Platforms like Facebook Groups and Twitter can help build a strong, supportive faith community.

Tailoring Spiritual Content for Different Believers

Lastly, I want to expand on the fact that edification comes in different levels, just like the word of the Lord says in these scriptures.  1 Corinthians 3:1-3 (NIV): Brothers and sisters, I could not address you as people who live by the Spirit but as people who are still worldly—mere infants in Christ. I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it. Indeed, you are still not ready. You are still worldly.

Hebrews 5:12-14 (NIV): In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

From these passages, we can see a spiritual journey, illustrating the difference between basic teachings ("milk") suitable for new believers and more advanced teachings ("solid food" or "meat") for those who are mature in their faith. You cannot edify these two categories of people the same way. For believers that are being fed milk, sharing verses of the day may be enough, but not for believers that are to be fed meat.

To effectively edify others, it's crucial to understand your audience and tailor your content to meet their spiritual needs. For instance, if you're addressing unbelievers or new believers, focus on sharing the basics of the Gospel, such as the love of God and salvation through Jesus Christ. Avoid delving into complex theological topics that might overwhelm or confuse them, potentially leading to discouragement or disinterest.

However, when engaging with mature believers, deeper teachings and discussions about complex theological concepts are more appropriate. These believers are better equipped to understand and appreciate more advanced spiritual insights, which can further their growth and strengthen their faith.

By discerning the spiritual maturity of your audience, you can share content that resonates with them and effectively supports their faith journey. This approach ensures that both new and mature believers receive the appropriate spiritual nourishment to grow in their relationship with God.